Convertible top replacement labor cost

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May 25, 2020 | 03:12 PM

Dauminator63

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: May 2019

Posts: 13

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Convertible top replacement labor cost

We have a vette with a 75 convertible top. Well, the mechanism is there but not the fabric (not sure why). We've have everything needed to install a new top, but like most things it's hit the back burner for a few years and now my grandpa is not sure if he should install it himself. It would suck to DIY it and screw up the new top if we don't do it right, but we're not sure how much it would cost to pay someone to do it, or which style of shops would be best. Anyone know about how much a place would charge in labor to install it?

May 25, 2020 | 03:43 PM

MelWff

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 18,737

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Prices are going to vary depending on where you live. Look up a local place online and call them.

May 25, 2020 | 03:57 PM

TimAT

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 7,123

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From: Gladstone MO

C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

I had a new top installed on my 69 not long ago. Dropped it off and 4 days later, new top. $1400 out the door. They supplied it all. Top, pads. labor.

May 25, 2020 | 04:16 PM

ctmccloskey

Safety Car

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 4,759

Likes: 1,647

From: Fairfax Virginia

I have a DVD from Al Knock Corvette Interiors that shows you HOW to install your own convertible top on your Corvette. I also have a new Black Top that I bought a while back.
For $1400 I will do it myself...

The top was less than $140 and the dvd was another $40 so I am going to try before I pay that much. The DVD is quite comprehensive and really gets into how to do it properly.

Next I have to re-finish my hard top, the question is to do I paint it or have it re-covered. I think it would look better painted Black installed on the Corvette, it fits and seals well. Most of the older C3 hard tops are covered in Vinyl which looks cheap in my book. I could paint the top to match the Corvette's paint and that might look pretty nice.

May 25, 2020 | 10:53 PM

78pace

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 854

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From: dudley ma

Here in Mass (wife's 97 BMW Z3) they wanted 700 for top and 700 to install. No way, bought a top for 350 and few extra parts and installed myself. Nervous a first but it really was not that hard a job. I am sure the vette top would be different in ways but it is just hardware and top.

Last edited by 78pace; May 25, 2020 at 10:58 PM.

May 26, 2020 | 08:58 AM

pltmgr

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 2,189

Likes: 830

From: Chapel Hill NC

2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

I ve done two corvettes ( plus a Jeep Wrangler) and consider myself to be of average skills. I would get a good set of instructions and make sure the top is warm from the sun to stretch it. I wouldn't.t say its a difficult job but there is some time and tugging involved

May 26, 2020 | 09:42 AM

pspicci

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2020

Posts: 790

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From: Western NY

I had a new top installed on my 71 2 years ago. it was $1,100 for everything. this is my suggestion: this is a installation that will last for years if done correctly, it's not something that needs fixing or replacement every couple years. i have seen some do it yourself installs that look pretty good but not great. this is not something you want to screw up. i strongly suggest paying someone qualified to do it and then you won't have to worry about it ever again at least not for 10-20 years.